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Sentencing day arrives for ex-Ald. Willie Cochran bit.ly/2xhaYrP via @Suntimes
@Suntimes Willie Cochran's sentencing hearing off to an awkward start. When the judge asks if he's ready, he says "I'm not quite sure ... is there some choice that I have here?" He eventually says, "I am ready to proceed."
@Suntimes Prosecutors say they're still giving Cochran credit for acceptance of responsibility, which could lower his sentence. But they also want to be heard after the judge hears from Cochran later in the hearing.
@Suntimes Whether Cochran has accepted responsibility is an issue because of a quibbling email he accidentally sent to the probation officer.
@Suntimes Assistant U.S. Attorney Heather McShain asks the judge to give Cochran an 18-month prison sentence.
@Suntimes McShain says the $14,000 Cochran is accused of taking from a charitable fund is a "very conservative" estimate. She said there were $64,673 in cash withdrawals.
@Suntimes McShain calls Cochran's crime a "classic case of public corruption" - a label Cochran's attorney has disputed.
@Suntimes McShain says Cochran "spent hundreds of hours in casinos" as alderman.
@Suntimes McShain complains that Cochran stayed in office after his indictment so he could still be paid. "This is not a man who took his oath seriously."
@Suntimes McShain is now telling the judge that Cochran's victims were reluctant to cooperate in an investigation of a sitting alderman. She said they were afraid of "retribution."
@Suntimes McShain says Cochran's argument that prison doesn't stop public corruption is "utterly irrational, offensive," and "should be rejected." She then adds, "bizarre."
@Suntimes She says a probation sentence would send the message that public officials get the "kid-glove" treatment when they ask for it. That "they are better than the rest."
@Suntimes McShain mentions Mike Royko and the "where's mine?" culture of Chicago as she wraps up her argument that Cochran should go to prison.
@Suntimes Defense atty Christopher Grohman pushes back against claim of $64K in cash withdrawals. Says Cochran hosted "dozens upon dozens of charity events."
@Suntimes Grohman says Cochran, aside from this crime, has "done nothing but charitable work and attempted to serve his community" for the better part of 40 years.
@Suntimes The crime "does not eliminate all of the good work" that Cochran has done, Grohman says.
@Suntimes Grohman says Cochran's gambling addiction is not a reason for punishment, rather a reason he needs treatment.
@Suntimes Grohman moves to the argument that prison doesn't solve public corruption. Takes full blame for the argument - but still says it's sound.
@Suntimes The argument revolves around the idea of general deterrence - the idea that a sentence sends a message to others.
@Suntimes Grohman says there's no evidence that jail sentences deter crime.
@Suntimes Cochran now speaking. Apologizes and says, "I am better than this."
@Suntimes Cochran has discussed his family and his good works as alderman. Says it was an "honor" to serve.
@Suntimes Cochran calls himself a "community builder" and says he would like to continue to do that. Asks for a "second chance."
@Suntimes McShain, the prosecutor, now gets a final word. She tells the judge, "elected officials are paying attention."
@Suntimes Grohman follows up by saying he would "sincerely question" whether elected officials are paying attention - points to Burke, Blago and Austin.
@Suntimes Judge: "It is a case of public corruption."
@Suntimes Judge says Cochran used his position as alderman and abused trust. "This was not a one-time lapse of judgment."
@Suntimes Judge says Cochran has added to the "long and pathetic tradition" of corruption in Chicago.
@Suntimes The judge says it's true that prior corruption sentences like Blagojevich's have "not had the desired effect." But calls that an argument to "give up."
@Suntimes Cochran speaking after sentencing: “The justice system is about Just Us.”
@Suntimes Cochran: “There’s no justice in this ... It’s never going to be right.”
@Suntimes Cochran: “This is a bump in the road.”
@Suntimes Cochran also accused prosecutors of hiding evidence and said it was a mistake to plead guilty.
@Suntimes U.S. Attorney John Lausch now speaking, says Chicago has a “stubborn public corruption issue.” Says prison sends a message.
@Suntimes Lausch refuses to talk about other aldermen like Danny Solis or Carrie Austin. Says Cochran’s comparisons to Aaron’s Schock are wrong.
